Steelers Running Back Le’Veon Bell Faces 4-Game Ban For Missed Test

Another suspension is pending for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell.

Bell will face a four-game ban for missing a scheduled drug test, according to ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano.

Steelers Running Back Le’Veon Bell Faces 4-Game Ban For Missed Test

There has been no official announcement of the suspension by the NFL, due to Bell exercising his right to a full appeals process, a season after he utilized the league’s appeals system to have a three-game ban reduced to two at the outset of 2015.

The test in question was not failed, but missed, Graziano pointed out. According to the NFL’s Drug Policy, a missed test counts as a failed test and is thereby subject to the same ramifications.

Bell was suspended for the first three games of 2015 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy after being arrested for possession of marijuana and DUI in the summer of 2014.

He and former teammate LeGarrette Blount were stopped and arrested on their way to the airport for a preseason game.

The Steelers RB appealed that ruling on the grounds that he was being punished under the league’s new drug policy, that went into effect in September 2014, when his violation occurred under the old policy.

Pittsburgh’s tailback was arrested in August 2014.

Bell was limited to six games in 2015, due to suspension and injury. He tore his MCL back on Nov. 1, missing the rest of the year.

Despite limited work, Bell was extremely productive, averaging a career-high, 4.9 yards per carry and over 92 rushing yards per game. Bell also posted eight runs of 20 yards or more, the same number he ran for in 16 games the year before.

LE’VEON BELL 2015-2016 HIGHLIGHTS

Coincidentally, the NFL announced it had reduced Bell’s suspension from last season July 25, 2015. Almost exactly a year later, reports surfaced that he will be banned again.

“As I have stated before, we were disappointed in Le’Veon Bell’s actions last August,” Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement following the announcement of Bell’s successful appeal in 2015.

“Le’Veon made a mistake and now he must learn from his mistake and focus on eliminating distractions from his life. We look forward to continuing to work with Le’Veon to try to help him reach his full potential as a person and as a player.”

In 2014, Bell finished second in the NFL in rushing, with 1,361 yards and led all running backs in receptions with 83 catches.

Pittsburgh acquired DeAngelo Williams prior to the 2015 season and he picked up the slack for Bell’s absence, scoring a league-high 11 rushing touchdowns.

At minicamp, Bell was excited by the prospect of playing alongside Williams again.

“I’m ready for that. It worked for us last year,” Bell said in June. “I’m planning on doing more stuff this year.”

He may not have a choice.

Article by Kevin Xavier